As the peak national association representing the museum and gallery sector, Museums Australia provides a range of professional services to members and promotes the role of museums in society, at local, regional, state and national level.

Established in 1993, Museums Australia brought together various bodies representing natural and applied science, social history, art galleries, keeping places and archives. The association is a network of state and territory branches, Special Interest Groups (S.I.G.s) and the national body. We work with members (particularly those sitting on the Council, or on committees; within the branches, and others contributing through S.I.G.s) to formulate policy initiatives and promote these to the museums of Australia.

• Promote the role of museums in our society
• Foster excellence in museum practice in Australian museums
• Advocate for, and support, indigenous peoples to claim, control and enhance their cultural heritage
• Provide efficient services and products to members and the museum sector
• Ensure sound management and accountability for the operations of Museums Australia.